Japan Days

For two days, Japanese culture takes over several venues in Budapest: Japanese Days brings together traditional and contemporary elements of Japan in a diverse, multi-location program. The event is supported by the Embassy of Japan in Hungary and organized across multiple venues in the 18th district.

The program includes tea ceremonies, calligraphy, origami and other crafts, Japanese music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, instrument showcases, as well as talks on Zen arts and Japanese cinema. Visitors can try Japanese drums, wear traditional clothing, and explore different aspects of Japanese culture through hands-on experiences.

The event takes place at three venues: the Pestszentimre Community House, the Kondor Béla Community House and the Lőrinc Library.

April 17 (Friday) – library programs
Location: Lőrinc Library

All day: Japanese book recommendations

10:00–12:00 Japanese tales and origami
14:00–15:00 Samurai martial arts demonstration
15:00–17:00 Face painting with Japanese motifs
17:00–18:30 Craft workshop
17:00–18:00 Talk about everyday life in Japan

Friday programs are free to attend.

April 18 (Saturday) – full-day festival

Morning at the Pestszentimre Community House:

9:00–13:00 Japanese craft workshops and film screenings
My Neighbor Totoro
Spirited Away
Furoshiki (Japanese wrapping technique) workshop
Bag-making workshop with Japanese motifs

Afternoon and evening at the Kondor Béla Community House:

Main stage:
13:45–14:15 Taiko drum concert
14:30–15:25 Martial arts demonstrations
15:30–15:45 Japanese dance performance
16:00–17:00 Instrument presentation
17:00–17:40 Bamboo flute performance
18:00–18:30 Concert
18:30–19:00 Talk on Japanese cinema
19:00–21:00 Film screening (Shoplifters)

Workshops and experiences:
Taiko drum workshop
Tea ceremony (hourly sessions)
Yukata try-on
Zen talks and meditation sessions

Throughout the day in the lobby: Japanese street food (taiyaki, gyoza), games, calligraphy, book corner, exhibitions and interactive activities.

Ticket information:
Friday: free entry
Saturday: 1,000 HUF
Workshops: limited capacity, separate tickets required

Date: April 17–18, 2026
Locations:
Pestszentimre Community House
Kondor Béla Community House
Lőrinc Library

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